Battlefields And Baroque Exhibition At Blenheim Palace Review

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

Any visit to Blenheim Palace is guaranteed to be a memorable and special experience and we felt extremely privileged to be invited to a preview of the Battlefields and Baroque exhibition within the opulent palace staterooms at Blenheim, with the added treat of live Baroque music and dance in the fabulous Orangery room.

Set in over 2,000 acres of beautiful grounds and with 300 years of history, Blenheim Palace was designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style and financed by Queen Anne in gratitude following the first Duke of Marlborough’s defeat of the French in the War of the Spanish Succession. Blenheim is renowned for being the home to the Dukes of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and was the perfect setting for a glorious summer evening with as Winston Churchill’s father described ‘the finest views in England’.

This immersive exhibition marks the 300th anniversary of the death of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and is a wonderful celebration of his most interesting life and great achievements. After such uncertain times, this will certainly be a year to remember at Blenheim! To complement the fascinating exhibition, there will be themed activities and events which will appeal to all ages, including a battle re-enactment, talks, tours and a concert.

We were warmly greeted on arrival and all the staff at Blenheim were extremely knowledgeable and went out of their way to make the evening memorable. As we moved through the opulent Palace staterooms, we were able to step back in time to the 1700’s and learn about the incredible life of the 1st Duke along with all its remarkable highs and lows. The exhibition is sublimely designed and with great attention to detail, the impressive collection of artefacts from the Blenheim archive, many of which are on public display for the first time, bring the story to life.

The 1st Duke was much acclaimed in the court of Queen Anne and advanced rapidly in the army. Uniquely for the time, he married for love and the exhibition is as much about his wife Sarah as it is about John. At one time imprisoned in the Tower of London but going onto gaining fame and fortune and highly distinguishing himself in the Spanish War of Succession.

For the military enthusiasts, you will be amazed by the quality and diversity of the interesting items on view in the display cabinets. For example, in one display case there were 3 different types of military epee, in immaculate condition: 1 for officers, 1 for cavalry and 1 for infantry. In addition, the astounding tapestries depicting the various battle scenes in incredible detail are masterpieces! Furthermore, the staff were most helpful and generous, sharing their interesting knowledge about the history of the exhibition and its artefacts.

To add to the occasion, a brilliant harpist was playing in one of the staterooms throughout the duration of our time at Blenheim. Additionally, there was piped classical music which added ambience to the exhibition. We were also able to step back in time and join an exquisite Baroque dance, just as the 1st Duke and Duchess would have done.

With so much to see and do, both indoors and outdoors and for all the family, Blenheim Palace is always a remarkable day out. The Battlefields and Baroque Exhibition is the new jewel in its crown, a most highly recommended masterpiece and truly not to be missed!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost between £17.50 – £31.00; buy a one day pass and get 12 months free

For more information or to book tickets visit https://www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/

Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL